Fans already knew Bandai Namco and Project Aces were working on it, but now it's officially official: Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has been announced.

The arcade action flight sim is coming to PS5 in 2026, as revealed in the debut trailer:

The presentation looks excellent and more cinematic than usual, immersing you in a first person perspective as characters talk to you about your mission.

We've no doubt the gameplay will be largely what we've come to expect from the series, with tight, smooth controls as you dogfight among the clouds.

Per the press release, the game uses a combination of Unreal Engine 5 and proprietary tech, which may explain the elevated visuals on display.

The focus appears to be very much on the campaign, as usual. Details on the story are scarce, but Bamco says you'll play as an ace pilot in an "emotionally charged story of identity and duty, fighting for the survival of their homeland".

With their nation Federation of Central Usea (FCU) occupied and its navy shattered, players enter the cockpit as the “Wings of Theve” – a legendary ace, a name tied to Theve, the capital of the FCU, and a symbol of hope for every citizen in their homeland. Joined by three new fighter pilots, theirs is a flight against odds versus the Republic of Sotoa to reclaim their lost homeland, eliminate the threat to their people, taking on the name of their capital city and carrying the hope of every FCU citizen.

In addition, the game will include multiplayer modes "and other features" to be revealed in the coming months.

Are you excited for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve? Tell us in the comments section below.

[source youtube.com]